Consequences of Hydrogel Granules Swallowing by Children: Case Study

Background. When hydrogel granules enter into gastrointestinal tract (GIT) they start to adsorb water, increase in volume and can cause obturation intestinal obstruction. Early diagnostics of intestinal obstruction in such cases can be difficult due to the lack of information about hydrogel granules swallowing. The choice of management in such patients is also pretty tough.

Clinical Case Description. Three clinical cases are described. First one (5 year old girl) shows the results of conservative removal of hydrogel granules from the intestine 8 hours after their swallowing. The second and third clinical cases demonstrate the difficulties of obturation intestinal obstruction diagnostics in the result of hydrogel granules increasing in volume. Surgical management was required in these two cases.

Conclusion. Conservative management preventing development of obturation intestinal obstruction is the method of choice for removal of foreign bodies during the first day after hydrogel granules swallowing. The surgical management with complete removal of hydrogel granules from GIT is required, if the child resorts to hospital with intestinal obstruction symptoms.

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